I somehow missed the 2013 animated Disney film "Planes," which other critics dismissed as a low-rent version of Pixar's "Cars" franchise, only with propellers. And since I've always thought the "Cars" franchise was Pixar's weakest offerings, I went into the "Planes" sequel with low expectations.

Turns out "Planes: Fire &amp; Rescue" is a lot of fun. It's a whole lot better then the bloated "Cars 2," the usually reliable Pixar's only dud. "Fire &amp; Rescue" features a fast-paced plot and enough humor to keep both adults and children amused.

Its chief strengths, though, are the exciting action scenes and gorgeous animation. The sequences involving various planes and helicopters sweeping through the sky and dumping water and fire retardant on raging fires are thrilling and beautifully animated.

One sequence in particular, revolving around a blocked highway and a train trapped by a raging forest fire, is one of the best action scenes of the summer, made even better by the clever use of 3-D effects. You'll duck to avoid the burning embers that fly off the screen. ("Planes: Fire &amp; Rescue" is another example of how animated films are far more effective in 3-D then live-action movies, which usually look dingy and washed out in 3-D.)

Like the "Cars" films, the "Planes" franchise exists in a universe where vehicles, planes and helicopters all talk, have human personalities and have big, expressive eyes. The film focuses on Dusty (voiced by Dane Cook), a dust cropper who apparently became a famous racer in the first film. As the sequel opens, his racing days seem over because of mechanical problems.

Even worse, Dusty's hometown airport is shut down after its old fire truck (Hal Holbrook) is declared too decrepit to properly protect the airstrip. So Dusty decides to train as a firefighter to save his hometown. He heads off to a majestic national park, where he trains with a tough helicopter (Ed Harris) and a Native American Sikorsky Sky Crane chopper (Wes Studi).

The Sikorsky -- who likes to tell profound-sounding stories that are actually obtuse -- is the funniest character in the movie. It helps that Studi plays the character with a sly sense of humor.

Fun, too, is the cute relationship between two old married RVs (married comedy legends Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, parents of Ben Stiller) who have their 50th wedding anniversary ruined by a wildfire.

At a brisk 83 minutes, "Planes: Fire &amp; Rescue" is the perfect running time for an animated children's film.

James Ward is the lifestyles and entertainment for the Visalia (Calif.) Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register. For more movie reviews go to www.VisaliaTimesDelta.com/Entertaiment. Twitter: VTDChoices.